Role of prosthodontist in forensic sciences – A review article

Abstract

Forensic odontology has recently become an integral part of forensic science. Since, 100 years this science has been utilizing dental or oro-facial findings to aid in serving the judicial system. Dental identification holds an important role in the identification of remains after postmortem changes, traumatic tissue injury or lack of a fingerprint record. Forensic identification based on assessment of prosthodontic appliances and or prosthesis by methods such as of labeling of dentures and other prosthetic appliances could provide vital clues for victim identification. Other sources such as salivary sample collection from the prosthesis can provide a rich source of DNA collection. How, a prosthodontist can play a crucial role in forensic medicine by application of various modes that can aid in identification of a deceased individual is illustrated in this review article. Keywords: Forensic Odontology, Denture labeling, DNA matching, Rugoscopy, Forensic medicine